Le'Veon Bell run over the Irish?. (US Presswire) |
On defense the Spartans don't have to do much they don't normally do. It's a unit that's strong up front, in the middle and in the back, and it's also a defense that will happily try to take advantage of a redshirt freshman quarterback in Everett Golson.
Golson had trouble last week when Purdue pressured him, and Michigan State's defense can attack in a lot more ways. It'll be imperative for Golson to limit turnovers.
On defense it's simple: stop Le'Veon Bell. Notre Dame's secondary is not experienced, but neither are Michigan State's receivers, so forcing the Spartans to attack through the air is likely the best bet.
X-FACTOR: Tommy Rees. Golson is still the starter for the Irish, but when Notre Dame needed a game-winning drive in the final minutes against Purdue, it was Rees who came on to lead the offense. If Golson struggles, you can expect Rees will see some time under center.